Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Also Read: Mass Readings for 15 October 2023 Mass Reading Reflection for 15 October 2023
Gospel: Matthew 22: 1-14
Today we have a Eucharistic parable to reflect on. Every Sunday, the Lord sets a banquet for every believer. He is serving his flesh and blood with everyone who cares to accept his invitation. He is nourishing everyone with the Word of God.
But as the parable narrates, when the final reminder goes, many seem occupied otherwise. They are busy with their plans. Some have business to attend to, others want to spend the day unto themselves. Some just ignore the invitation, while others react with contempt.
Yet Jesus keeps inviting more people to His sacred table every day. The invitation is not based on the quality of us. He qualifies those who are invited. He supplies the wedding garment to the invited.
The wedding garment Jesus supplies is the grace he gives free. The grace He gives includes his forgiveness and love. Avail His forgiveness distributed through the sacrament of confession, restore the lost grace, and take part in the Eucharistic banquet every Sunday.
If one calls oneself Christian, has no time for the Sunday Eucharistic banquet, and hopes to be part of the final heavenly banquet, how foolish he is. Sorry for being harsh. Truth is not polished.
Each Eucharistic banquet reminds and prepares us for the final heavenly banquet. It helps us to regain the lost grace through repentance and reconciliation. It reminds us of the need to reconcile with God, others, and oneself so that we still have the garment supplied free by God Himself. Every Eucharist offers the opportunity to reconcile with God and one another.
It is quite refreshing to know that God has plans for us. God has great plans for us. We are chosen to be at His banquet by His choice. Not because we merit it. It is free. It is pure mercy. It is not enough that we seem to accept it initially, we have to be prepared to be part of the celebration through the end. It may include setting aside our plans at times. It is great to have personal goals and work to achieve them. But, be prepared to set aside personal plans and goals, once we get that invitation.
Because it is not an ordinary invitation, it is a royal invitation, nay, it is a divine invitation.
Learn to say yes to divine invitation, today, tomorrow, and always. You will never regret it.
Amen.
